Nag Panchami 2026: Date, Muhurat, and Essential Remedies

By Pandit Pramod Joshi, Vedic Scholar with 15+ years in Puranic traditions | Reviewed by Utsav editorial team

Nag Panchami in 2026 falls on Monday, August 17th. This vital festival, observed on the fifth day (Panchami) of the bright half of the lunar month of Shravan, is dedicated to honouring the Nagas (serpent deities). The Bhavishya Purana describes this day as essential for seeking protection from snakebites and dissolving negative karmic patterns, especially the challenging Kaal Sarp Dosh. It's a day of deep spiritual significance.

Quick Answer

• What: Nag Panchami (नाग पंचमी) is a traditional Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of serpent deities (Nagas).
• When: Monday, August 17, 2026. The Panchami tithi begins at 04:52 PM on August 16, 2026 and ends at 05:00 PM on August 17, 2026.
• Why: To seek blessings for protection from serpents, mitigate the effects of Kaal Sarp Dosh, and honour the Nagas' role in Hindu cosmology.
• How to Participate: You can perform pujas at home or Participate in special Daan Seva at Nagvasuki Mandir through Utsav for a Dakshina of ₹251.

Table of Contents

• Nag Panchami 2026: Date, Tithi & Shubh Muhurat
• The Spiritual Significance of Worshipping Nagas
• The Legend of Astika and the Great Snake Sacrifice
• Nag Panchami Puja Vidhi: A Step-by-Step Guide
• Essential Samagri for Nag Panchami Puja
• Key Mantras for Nag Panchami
• Fasting Rules (Vrat) for Nag Panchami
• Do's and Don'ts on This Sacred Day
• Participate in Nag Panchami Rituals on Utsav
• Sources & References

Nag Panchami 2026: Date, Tithi & Shubh Muhurat

The timing for Nag Panchami is precise and based on the lunar calendar, as confirmed by Utsav Panchang. The most auspicious window for performing the puja is during the morning hours. Don't miss this powerful window.

• Nag Panchami Date: Monday, August 17, 2026
• Panchami Tithi Begins: 04:52 PM on Sunday, August 16, 2026
• Panchami Tithi Ends: 05:00 PM on Monday, August 17, 2026
• Puja Muhurat: 05:54 AM to 08:30 AM on August 17, 2026

Here’s a breakdown of the muhurat across major cities for your convenience.

The Spiritual Significance of Worshipping Nagas

Worshipping Nagas on this day isn't just about tradition; it's a deeply meaningful act rooted in scripture. According to the Bhavishya Purana, honouring the serpent gods provides protection not just for you but for your entire family. Why does this matter so much? The Nagas are intertwined with powerful deities, most notably Lord Shiva, who wears Vasuki Naga around his neck.

This day is especially critical for anyone with Kaal Sarp Dosh in their astrological chart. It's considered the single most effective day of the year to perform remedies to pacify this challenging planetary alignment. Performing puja on Nag Panchami can help neutralize its effects, bringing relief from persistent obstacles in life. For more on Lord Shiva's divine forms, you can explore the Twelve Jyotirlingas Of Lord Shiva And Its Secret.

The Legend of Astika and the Great Snake Sacrifice

The most profound story connected to Nag Panchami comes from the Mahabharata (Adi Parva, Astika Parva). The tale recounts King Janamejaya's great snake sacrifice, the Sarpa Satra (सर्पसत्र), which he performed to avenge the death of his father, Parikshit, who was killed by the serpent king Takshaka. It's a powerful story.

The yajna was so potent that it began pulling all snakes from every corner of the world into the sacrificial fire. The Naga race faced complete annihilation. It was then that the wise young sage Astika, whose mother was a Naga and father was a Brahmin, intervened. He impressed King Janamejaya with his profound wisdom and was granted a boon. Astika asked for the sacrifice to be stopped, and the king, bound by his word, agreed. This act saved the Nagas from extinction on the day of Shravan Shukla Panchami. And so, we celebrate this day to honour that pact of peace.

Nag Panchami Puja Vidhi: A Step-by-Step Guide

You don't need to be an expert to perform a heartfelt puja at home. As performed by verified Vaidik pandits, the core of the ritual is devotion and sincerity. Follow these simple steps to conduct your own Nag Panchami worship.

1. Purify Yourself: Wake up before sunrise, take a bath, and wear clean, fresh clothes.
2. Prepare the Altar: Clean your puja space. On a wooden plank, draw a serpent deity with turmeric or sandalwood paste, or place an idol/image of a Naga.
3. Sankalp (Intention): Take some water, flowers, and rice in your hand and make a vow (Sankalp) to perform the puja for the well-being and protection of your family.
4. Invocation: Light a ghee lamp and incense sticks. Invite the Naga deities to accept your offerings.
5. Offerings (Naivedya): Offer milk, turmeric, kumkum, akshat (rice grains), and fresh flowers to the serpent image or idol.
6. Special Offerings: Present special food items like kheer (sweet rice pudding) or sevaiyan.
7. Chant Mantras: Recite the Nag Panchami mantras (mentioned below) 11, 21, or 108 times.
8. Aarti: Conclude the puja by singing the Aarti for the Naga Devtas.
9. Prasad: Distribute the blessed offerings among your family members.

Essential Samagri for Nag Panchami Puja

Here's a checklist of items you'll need for the puja. Having everything ready beforehand makes the process smooth and focused.

Key Mantras for Nag Panchami

Chanting mantras amplifies the spiritual energy of your puja. The primary mantra for this day invokes the blessings of the nine major serpent deities. The Agni Purana emphasizes the power of these sonic vibrations.

Nag Devta Mantra (नाग देवता मंत्र):

सर्वे नागाः प्रीयन्तां मे ये केचित् पृथिवीतले।
ये च हेलिमरीचिस्था येऽन्तरे दिवि संस्थिताः॥
ये नदीषु महानागा ये सरस्वतिगामिनः।
ये च वापीतडगेषु तेषु सर्वेषु वै नमः॥

Sarve Nagah Priyantam Me Yechit Prithivitale.
Ye Cha Helimarichistha Yentare Divi Sansthitah॥
Ye Nadishu Mahanaga Ye Saraswatigaminah.
Ye Cha Vapitadageshu Teshu Sarveshu Vai Namah॥

Meaning: "May all the Nagas who reside on the earth, in the sky, in the sun's rays, in rivers, lakes, and ponds, be pleased with me. I bow to all of them."

Recitation: Chant this mantra 11 or 108 times while offering milk.

Fasting Rules (Vrat) for Nag Panchami

Observing a vrat (fast) on Nag Panchami is a common practice that amplifies the benefits of the puja. According to temple traditions, the fast begins at sunrise and is typically broken in the evening after sunset, post the final puja.

• What to Eat: Most devotees observe a Phalahar (fruit-only) or Ekabhukta (one meal) fast. You can consume milk, fruits, and vrat-specific foods like sabudana.
• What to Avoid: Strictly avoid grains, salt, fried foods, and any tamasic items (onion, garlic). It's also forbidden to dig the earth or plough fields on this day, as it could harm snakes.
• Breaking the Fast (Paran): The fast is broken after 05:00 PM on August 17, 2026, once the Panchami tithi ends and after evening prayers.

Do's and Don'ts on This Sacred Day

To fully honour the sanctity of Nag Panchami, there are a few simple guidelines to follow. Think of them as a way to align your actions with the day's energy.

Do's:
* Worship serpent idols or images made of clay or metal.
* Offer milk, sweets, and flowers.
* Read or listen to the Nag Panchami Katha.
* Chant the Naga mantras.
* Donate to Brahmins or those in need.

Don'ts:
* Do not harm any snake or living creature.
* Avoid digging or ploughing the land.
* Do not use a sharp object like a needle or knife.
* Avoid consuming fried food items.
* Refrain from any negative speech or arguments.

Participate in Nag Panchami Rituals on Utsav

If you are unable to perform the puja at home or want to participate in a ritual at a powerful temple, Utsav offers a direct connection. This is especially beneficial for those looking to perform remedies for Kaal Sarp Dosh at a verified temple. One such powerful location is the Omkareshwar Temple, a famous Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva.

You can participate in authentic rituals performed by experienced pandits on your behalf.

• Nagvasuki Mandir Weekly Doodh & Kala Daan: Participate in a special milk and grain offering at the ancient Nagvasuki Temple in Prayagraj. The Dakshina starts from ₹251.

How it Works:
1. Select the puja and provide your details in the Sankalp Form.
2. Verified pandits at the temple perform the ritual, chanting your name and gotra.
3. You receive a video of the puja via WhatsApp.
4. Blessed prasad is then shipped directly to your home.

Tithi Aarti

ॐ जय शिव ओंकारा, स्वामी जय शिव ओंकारा।
ब्रह्मा, विष्णु, सदाशिव, अर्द्धांगी धारा॥
ॐ जय शिव ओंकारा॥

Om Jai Shiv Omkara, Swami Jai Shiv Omkara,
Brahma Vishnu Sadashiv, Ardhangi Dhara.
Om Jai Shiv Omkara.

This revered aarti praises Lord Shiva as the embodiment of the cosmic sound 'Om'. The verse honours the divine trinity—Brahma, Vishnu, and Sadashiv—as manifestations of the one Supreme Being, who is eternally united with his consort, the Ardhangi (Parvati). As Nagas are deeply associated with Lord Shiva, this aarti is perfect for the occasion.

When to sing: This aarti should be sung at the conclusion of the Nag Panchami puja, after offering milk and other samagri. Lighting a ghee lamp while singing enhances the devotional atmosphere.

Sources & References

Scriptural Authority:
- Bhavishya Purana — Describes the significance and benefits of Nag Panchami worship.
- Mahabharata, Adi Parva — Contains the detailed story of Astika saving the Nagas from the Sarpa Satra.
- Agni Purana — Details the specific mantras and rituals for serpent worship.

Panchang & Timing:
- Drikpanchang.com — Tithi and muhurat times verified for 2026.
- Utsav Panchang (https://utsavapp.in/panchang)

Related Pujas on Utsav:
- Nagvasuki Mandir Prayagraj Weekly Doodh Kala Daan